Dawod studied at the Institute of Fine Arts, Baghdad and received an MA from the Art Academy, Lodz, in 1987. He has also studied animation at the Animations House in Eksjo. His awards include Mention Honorifique, Krakow, 1984; Mention Honorifique, Krakow, 1986; and Graphics Triennial Award, Fredrikstad, 1989. He lives in Vastervik.